A closer look at Multnomah’s menu mandate

Drawing from input from community stakeholders, the policy was informed by the following guiding principles:
• Enable point-of-purchase decision-making,
• Avoid undue burden on small business owners,
• Present information in easy to understand ways that do not confuse the consumer, and
• Present information in ways that preserve the design of the menu.
Applies to:
• Fast Food and Chain Restaurant Establishments 1) with at least fifteen or more outlets nation-wide, and 2) who offer substantially the same menu items across outlets, regardless of whether the food establishments are subject to the same ownership or type of ownership.

Excludes:
• Grocery and convenience stores

Applies to:
• Standard Menu: Items on the menu or menu board for more than 60 days

Avoid undue burden on small businesses.
• Most food prepared in chain restaurants is standardized in terms of ingredients, cooking instruction, and portion sizes.
• About half large chains already provide nutrition information on-line and would not incur additional costs.
• Be consistent with regulations adopted in other jurisdictions.